ROAG Sports Events Administration

General Information

Calling all mountain bikers and trail runners – entries are now open for the 2020 Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, with race options to suit the whole family. This popular event has limited entries so don’t delay in entering.  The race starts on Sunday 19 April at Gwahumbe Game & Spa in Mid-Illovo in KZN.

The serious mountain bikers can choose either the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme or the 40km Safire Classic route, while fun riders have the choice of an 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience. For trail runners, the Farmers’ Agri-Care 16km or the 8km Gwahumbe trail routes offer spectacular trails through indigenous KZN bushlands and grasslands.

Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, as proceeds from the event go towards community upliftment.

Start and Finish of All Races

The start and finish of all races will now take place at Gwahumbe Game & Spa.  This will allow for an idyllic spectator-friendly venue for supporters, while also ensuring a more relaxed setting for riders and runners after they have completed their events.  Relax in magnificent surroundings and enjoy great food, an awesome gin bar, music, a kids’ zone and some great Mid-Illovo hospitality.

Revamped Trail and MTB Routes

We have been working hard to make some awesome revamps to the existing routes. Over the years, the 40km MTB Trail had become 46km and some of the return climbs were tough for the riders.  You’ll be glad to know that we got rid of some of the smaller ascents on the return route and have reduced the distance. We have kept most of the single track, so it will certainly be a more enjoyable ride. The trail runs will have new routes starting at Gwahumbe and dropping down into the valley, which should make for some fun, fast running in spectacular scenery.

E-Bikes Permitted

E-bikes are welcome to participate in the Husqvarna Classic. E-Bike riders will be required to start in the last batch of each event and will not be timed, but are welcome to come and enjoy this annual event.

Trail Runners Stay Warm at the Finish

Trail runners, we have you covered and have thought of all eventualities! We will have designated marshalls at the start of your races who will collect your windbreakers and warm attire and transport these to the finish down at the Waterfall.  You’ll be able to wrap up and stay warm at the end of your races.

Away with Nasty Plastics

Considering that the event will be taking place at Gwahumbe Game & Spa, we have made some bold decisions with regards to single use plastic. All our food and takeaway drink packaging which we will be using is manufactured from recyclable materials. This includes the water tables.  Please note that we will no longer be offering bottles of water at the finish, but will have plenty of self-service stations available with fresh water and recyclable cups available for your enjoyment.

Kid’s Zone

Parents that wish to ride or run can drop their children off in the new Kids’ Zone. This is a FREE service where your children will have the opportunity to enjoy the Gwahumbe Jungle Gym, trampoline, jumping castle and various colouring activities on offer. Your child will be signed in and out of the fenced off area. Qualified adults will manage this area.

Prizes & Results

Total prize money of  R25 000 to be won across the races and age categories. 

60km Husqvarna MTB X-Treme

Men

Mens Overall - 1st R2000 | 2nd R1500 | 3rd R1000

Seniors (19-29) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Sub Vets (30-39) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Veterans (40-49) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Masters (50-59) – 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Grand Masters (60+) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

KING OF THE MOUNTAINS - R1000

Women

Ladies Overall - 1st R2000 | 2nd R1500 | 3rd R1000

Seniors (19-29) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Sub Vets (30-39) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Veterans (40-49) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Masters (50-59) – 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Grand Masters (60+) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS - R1000

40km Safire Classic

Men

Mens Overall - 1st R500 | 2nd R300 | 3rd R150

Youth Boys (15&16) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Junior (17&18) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

KING OF THE MOUNTAINS – R500

Women

Ladies Overall - 1st R500 | 2nd R300 | 3rd R150

Youth Girls (15&16) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Junior (17&18) - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS – R500

18km Gwahumbe Family Fun Ride

Men

Overall - 1st R300 | 2nd R200 | 3rd R100

Nippers (9&10) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

Sproggs (11&12) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

Sub Junior (13&14) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

Women

Overall - 1st R300 | 2nd R200 | 3rd R100

Nippers (9&10) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

Sproggs (11&12) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

Sub Junior (13&14) - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R100

16km Farmer’s Agri-Care Trail Run

Men Overall - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

Ladies Overall - 1st R200 | 2nd R150 | 3rd R100

8km Gwahumbe Trail Run

Men Overall - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R80

Ladies Overall - 1st R150 | 2nd R120 | 3rd R80

Kids Entertainment

A supervised kids play zone will be at the venue.

Food & Beverages

Food and beverages will be sold at the venue. 

Accommodation

Please visit the following websites to see the local accommodation options: 

http://www.gwahumbe.co.za/

https://www.insingizi.co.za/

There are also plenty of activities available at Gwahumbe Game Lodge & Spa. These include game drives, a spa and many other activities. 

Race Giveaways

The first 600 pre entries will receive an Uzwelo shopper bag in addition to the thermos mug and collapsible mug.

MTB: the first 400 pre entries will receive a thermos mug.

Trail: the first 200 pre entries will receive a collapsible mug.

General Information

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROAG MTB BOARDS AND TRAIL BIBS WILL BE USED AT THIS EVENT. 

PLEAE ENSURE THAT YOU BRING YOURS ALONG OR YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE ONE DURING REGISTRATION - MTB BOARD R50 AND TRAIL BIB R20.